I was stood next to Cassandra at the table. Laying on it was a map of Thedas. Covering the map were numerous little markers, and it had been slowly filling as the weeks went by. It was a sign of our progress, but I know we were all frustrated by the major one that was still missing from the map. Corypheus. There was just no sign of him. Leliana has agents scouring Thedas, but there was next to no sign. After Haven, we'd lost complete track of him.

But that was for later. Right now, Cassandra was busy explaining what she'd found. "I've been left thinking, Uhtred." When we were in private, she called me by name. So did everyone now. It was a little thing that I appreciated from them all. "I've seen no sign of any Seekers amongst the red templars. Or anywhere. I've a growing suspicion that Corypheus has been imprisoning them."

"Why do that when, to be put it bluntly, he could just kill them?"

She conceded the point on that. "Yes, it's true, they may be dead, though he wouldn't have accomplished that feat easily. But it was the Seekers that began the war against the mages." I cleared my throat and gave her a look. "I mean the actual war, not the kerfuffle you began in Kirkwall. But they started it, then we met Lucius in Val Royeaux, then they just vanished. I would have thought we'd have seen their uniforms at Haven, but nothing."

"Could they have just ended up like the templars, so there's no difference now?"

"No, because Seekers do not use lyrium. Cullen may have hinted at that before. Corypheus had gained control of the templars due to tainting the lyrium, no doubt that red lyrium we've seen around. It would make sense, though so far, we've found no proof. But the corruption experienced is obvious."

"Okay, so we're going to look for them, hopefully find them. Will it bring us any benefit?"

She sighed, and I knew the answer. "No, Uhtred, it won't. They will not look kindly upon the Inquisition. Lucius made his feelings clear in Val Royeaux. But I cannot abandon them without at least trying to bring them over to our cause."

"I assume we're in here because you've found a lead?"

"Yes, one of Leliana's agents has found enough to warrant a search. In the east of Ferelden is a castle, Caer Oswin, formerly the seat of Bann Loren, a rather pious man who may have once appreciated the arrival of the Seekers of Truth upon his lands. Seekers have been seen arriving at the castle in recent weeks. It is only pure chance our agents saw one of them in the area, tracked him to the castle, and returned here immediately. I am just not sure as to why our order would be heading there, of all places."

"Then I guess we should ride there and investigate?"

"I know I am asking a lot…"

I placed my hand on top of hers, earning a look from her. "Cassandra, you ask nothing. I am not a particularly pious man myself, but it is easy to understand your order is important to you. I know next to nothing about the Seekers, but I'm assuming you're not templars, so I have no fixed opinion."

"I can tell you on the ride, if you would like to know more?"

"That sounds good. So we head out tomorrow. Who would you like to come?"

"Blackwall, a fellow warrior. Varric, as he's always handy in a fight, and Sera, simply because I'd like an archer along too."

"You believe this will lead to a fight?"

"I am concerned, Uhtred. In fact, the word to use would be worried. I worry as to what my order are involved in."

"Mages?"

"Evelyn only. I doubt bringing the Herald would change any of their minds. Lucius made his opinion pretty clear long ago. But arriving with mages will only spook them further. No, six of us, only one more than there was in the Emerald Graves. Hopefully we find only Seekers. Doing the Maker knows what, but if we've found them, then at least we can all move on."

"Okay, we'll leave first thing in the morning and find out one way or the other."

"Thank you, Uhtred. You are going above and beyond."

The next morning, the six of us mounted our horses and with calls of good luck from the others, we began the descent towards the King's Road, where we would skirt the edge of Crestwood before heading further east. I'm fairly sure I'd passed Caer Ostwin numerous times but had probably seen it then ignored it completely. We set a slow pace, agreeing to spend the day riding, making camp a couple of miles from the castle, before completing the journey the next day.

Sera and Evelyn spent most of their time riding behind me, chatting away. Varric tried tempting Blackwall into conversation, the replies of the Grey Warden short as usual. He wasn't exactly the type for flowing conversation, so Varric eventually gave up and tried a one-way conversation, regaling him with stories of his life in Kirkwall. Cassandra rode in silence next to me, though even she couldn't resist the occasional grin as she listened into his stories.

"He spun me quite a tale about you," she said a little later.

"I bet. What did you think?"

She glanced at me as she replied. "Well, I could certainly understand why a certain someone fell in love with you."

"Ah… I guess our relationship wasn't a secret?"

"To me? Definitely no. And Divine Justinia? Well, she obviously knew all about you. I have no idea why, after you reunited in Kirkwall, she didn't bring you back to Val Royeaux with her."

"I wouldn't have left. I wasn't going to leave while Meredith was in charge. She'd made it entirely too personal by the end."

"Well, we've spoken about all of that before. At least you were given the opportunity to reunite, even if the circumstances were not the best to begin with."

"Now it's better than it was before, I mean during the Blight. I didn't like it when we parted, but I guess we're an example of absence making the heart grow fonder."

"Can I ask a personal question?"

"Sure."

"Your arrangement, for want of a better word. I understand it was Leliana who suggested it?"

"That's true." I cast her a sideways glance. "How do you know?"

"Leliana can be a bit of a gossip when with her girlfriends. She doesn't go into details about your sex life, but she sometimes bounces things off Josie and I. And, to be honest, Uhtred, while much of what you've done has been in secret, I have seen a few things. I didn't miss the fact Evelyn spent time in your tent at the Western Approach. And Bethany… well, she's a wild one, that woman. I can see why you like her."

"Does it concern you?"

"No, because Leliana trusts and loves you, and she clearly made this decision for both of you. Has she told you about being with the occasional woman while you've been away?"

"She has. Generally, only when I'm not at Skyhold, and she admits that it's just sex. She has always enjoyed sex with a woman, so when I'm not there, she can have some fun." I glanced at her again. "You?"

That made her laugh. "Women don't interest me sexually, Uhtred. I can admit Leliana is a beautiful woman. Evelyn is just too damned cute for her own good. Bethany is just… well, she's perhaps the only one who'd make me reconsider!"

"Really?"

"I think it's her bluntness. She doesn't throw her sexuality in your face but it smoulders just underneath the surface. As I said, I understand why you like her. Get a couple of drinks in her and there's no telling what she'll share next. Heard more than one story about what you two go up to." She glanced my way. "Are you happy, Uhtred?" she asked, turned serious all of a sudden.

"Absolutely. Leliana and I are closer than ever, but she'd given me the freedom to give into a few desires every now and then. I enjoy my time with Evelyn whenever we get the chance, reconnecting with Bethany leaves me exhausted at times, and Marian…" I trailed off. I missed her terribly already.

"Once we got to know each other, she was rather open about things, Uhtred. Her love for you was immediately apparent."

"I know. I've been told that more than once."

"I think she'll be back in your life."

"I hope so."

"Anyway, no wonder Leliana is always smiling nowadays. Enough to make others jealous, Inquisitor." I gave her another look, wondering what she was going to say. "Not me so don't worry yourself."

"I am aware that templars are celibate. What about Seekers?"

"Most templars are only that way through choice, Inquisitor. Seekers are the same. Those who choose to join either order will give up personal relationships, dedicating themselves to the order they join in mind, body and spirit."

"And that, right there, is why I would never have made a good templar or Seeker. I couldn't give up sex. I did for a little while and it sucked."

"Well, technically I am no longer a Seeker anyway so…" She gave me another look and I couldn't help but laugh. "There isn't a shortage of available men at Skyhold, at least. But I think, for now, I will remain as my life has always been. Dedicated to the cause. Maybe when all this is over, I can reconsider what I want from my life. I don't feel the need to find a husband nor have children, but it would be nice to feel loved."

"No greater feeling in the world, Cass."

"Leliana and yourself are rather cute together when you're in that mood. I will admit I sometimes sit there and sigh."

I reached across and grabbed her hand, earning a smile of appreciation. "I believe there is someone out there for everyone, Cass. If you desire it, your Maker will be kind. Sometimes you just need a little patience." I smiled as I added, "In fact, what you need is a little faith."

She looked at me, and the smile lit up her face. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Cassandra moved her horse away, eventually falling silent, and that was how things mostly stayed the rest of the day. Once light started to fade, we slowed and began a search for a reasonable campsite, eventually finding a secluded area not far from the main road. There was no water source, but we had full canteens of water, having fill them when passing the lake, and we could figure out that we were only a matter of a couple of miles from the castle.

Despite the fact Ferelden was relatively peaceful, we still kept watch that evening, and I was eventually woken by Cassandra in the early morning, taking my turn to keep watch with Evelyn. I was meant to be with Varric but guessed she switched with him. Sitting on the only log we'd managed to drag close to the fire, we kept our weapons close as we sat down, Evelyn sitting as close to me as possible. I wrapped an arm around her, feeling her shuffle in closer.

"Heard some of your conversation with Cassie before." I couldn't help groan as I knew where this was going to lead. "Consider me intrigued, Uhtred. So before, during the Blight, there was Leliana and Solona. I understand you also had a little fun with Dagna. She let slip one night when she joined Sera and I for drinks. Oh, and I think Sera definitely fancies dwarves because she was making her own suggestions that night, and I've heard her drop hints about Lace as well."

"Lace? Who's Lace?"

"Oh, Scout Harding." She giggled. "Oops. I'm going to be in trouble for that. But anyway, back to what I was saying. Leliana, Solona, Dagna. Who else am I missing?"

"Ser Cauthrien. We fucked while I was in prison."

"Anyone else I'm missing?"

"You mean during the Blight? None that I can think of. Brosca, who is with Alistair, was constantly in my ear about a threesome with those two. I think she had a wild streak that Alistair only just managed keeping up with. Still together from everything we've learned so far. Maybe she's calmed down over the past few years. Or she'll turned up on my doorstep with him in tow and demand I finally give in."

"Can I ask something?"

"Sure."

"Would you ever want me to join yourself and Leliana?"

"Would you be interested in that?"

"She's beautiful, Uhtred." I couldn't help look at her and smile. "I've been thinking about it. She's also mentioned the idea in passing, I guess gauging my interest. I've let her know I wouldn't say no. The only thing is I've never really been with a woman before."

"Would you like to have some fun with Leliana?"

"Definitely," she replied, sounding rather eager.

"What about Bethany?"

Evelyn must not have known as she gave me a curious glance. "Are you with her again?"

"Sort of. We've had a little fun here and there. Not often."

"Would she be interested in me?"

"Evie, she would certainly show you a few things if you did join us. That woman is incredibly open-minded and likes to experiment. She'd waste no time burying her face between your legs, though would like that favour returned."

"And what would you be doing?"

"Fucking one of you."

That made her giggle, giving her a little squeeze. "I actually haven't done it that often. But during the Blight, with Leliana and Solona, I'll admit that we had a lot of fun together."

"She's nice. Solona, that is." She paused before adding quickly, "But I know she isn't the same."

"She's gone," I whispered. Evelyn recognised me tone, feeling her arms wrap around me. "Gods, if she was the same, I do wonder what would have happened between us."

"Want to make love?" she asked.

I couldn't help the chuckle at the offer. "Definitely."

Dragging a bedroll closer to the fire, we undressed each other slowly, hands exploring the body of the other. Just that alone did the trick, in addition to some very hot and heavy kissing, as my fingers found themselves between her legs, making her whimper before she broke the kiss and immediately lay down. We tried to keep the noise down, though I'm sure our companions would have figured out what we were doing eventually. Watching her ride me in the light of the fire was simply spectacular, and she had already discovered a love for that position. With my hands at her waist, that's when I realised how small she was to me at times, and when she really started to bounce up and down, I almost worried that she would hurt herself in her exuberance.

Then I'd cum and forget about everything for a few seconds. Then she'd orgasm and need to rest on my chest for a little longer herself. "Well, I think we both needed that," she murmured.

"Young woman with a tight, little body wants to sleep with me? There's only one decision, Evie."

She sat up, watching her shudder as I was still inside her, as she ran her hands up my arms before placing them on my chest. "How the hell do you think I feel then?" She leaned down and gave me the softest of kisses. "I'm just living out the fantasy now," she whispered. I could only give her a cuddle for that.

"Well, hope I've lived up to expectations."

"Every single way."

Though we would have enjoyed lying there for longer, we did have to dress before everyone woke up, so by the time the rest eventually started to wake up as the sun rose in the horizon, we were dressed with Evie cuddling into me. We took our time with breakfast, as we didn't need to get to the castle too early. Once we'd packed away tents and bedrolls, doused the fire with dirt, and ensured we had everything we needed, we mounted up and began the rest of our journey. In the morning light, the castle was easily visible ahead, lying on top of what would be considered, at most, a large hill. Turning off the main road, the path wasn't as well used as other leading to a castle, though that didn't really mean anything untoward.

Agreeing to avoid the main entrance, we found a path that led towards a regular door. I assumed it would lead into a side courtyard, or it would enter an enclosed area. We couldn't quite judge from the outside. We entered one by one, not expecting to run into anyone. Instead, we ran into someone in uniform Cassandra immediately identified as a someone being from a group called the Order of Fiery Promise. Before we could even identify ourselves, we found ourselves attacked. I defended myself, glancing to see what Cassandra would do, and when she didn't hesitate, Blackwall and I did what we needed to do alongside her.

Entering a larger room, we quickly identified that we were in the dungeons below the castle, and dealt with more of soldiers of the Fiery Promise. They had some talent, but certainly lacked the training and skill of even templars. I'd fought hundreds of templars over the years, or so it seemed, and I still the gods even to this day that I came out alive each time. I was as infallible as anyone else.

We found the bodies of prisoners, Cassandra checking them to see they wore the armour and tunic of her old order. She didn't state if she recognised them, simply explaining who our enemy was. "The Order of Fiery Promise is a cult with strange beliefs about the Seekers. They've hounded us for centuries."

"What's so strange about them?"

"They believe they are Seekers. The only rightful ones. They say we robbed their powers long ago, preventing them from ending the world."

"Um, what? Ending the world? Why would they ever want to do that?"

"As I said, strange. They believe ending the world is the only true way to eradicate all evil, in their eyes. 'The world will be reborn a paradise' is what they believe."

"Okay, simple question then. Why not just deal with them and eradicate them as a threat?"

She scoffed, so I was left thinking it was a stupid question. "We have, Inquisitor. Many times. They simply reappear after a time, like weeds. Nobody knows how."

I couldn't help sigh, glancing at Evelyn. "Just what we need. More cults. If the people following you aren't bad enough…"

She noticed my smirk and simply poked her tongue out in return. "It explains why the Seekers are here, Inquisitor," Cassandra added, "But not the connection to Corypheus."

"Okay, I guess we should keep looking then. Answers always lie ahead."

We moved on through the dungeon, finding one or two dead Seekers. There were signs of torture, and if the cultists had been behind it, they had been cruel. The wounds were horrific and we were all left thinking the Seekers last moments had been of tremendous pain. Cassandra was left incensed by what we found, a scowl on her face that only deepened with every other body we discovered. The one thing that concerned was why they had died. Had they fought off the cultists or had they been sacrificed?

Finding the exit from the dungeons, we exited out into what I considered an enormous courtyard, which was filled with even more cultists. Cassandra, Blackwall and I charged down the stairs as Evelyn and Varric held position at the top, unloading spells and bolts at the helpless cultists below them.

Cassandra's blood was definitely up as we worked our way through their number, Blackwall and I being little more than support as she cut down anyone dumb enough to get in her way. There were at least ten warriors, and they could have easily swarmed us if not for the help from our colleagues above, seeing a couple of the enemy take a bolt straight into the forehead, dropping dead before I could even raise sword or shield.

One or two of the cultists did prove to have some skill, though Cassandra was concerned some may have been Seekers, again leaving more questions about what was going on. She wondered if some of the Seekers had actually joined the cultists, turning their backs on all they believed. Even as she fought, I could hear her questioning everything, though seemed to come to an idea that it still had to be the influence of Corypheus somehow. Maybe he was in charge of the cultists?

Searching the bodies once the fighting was done, Cassandra found a piece of paper on one of them, blood stained but still legible enough to read. "As the Seekers of Truth have proven resistant to the effects of red lyrium, the Elder One has seen fit to place them in your care. Reclaim your destiny, and know that the Elder One expects your devotion as repayment." She then met my eyes. "It was signed by Lord Samson, commander of the red templars."

"Gods, Cullen mentioned him only a few days ago."

"That's not what I'm worried about right now. Corypheus doesn't want the world to end, he wants to change it to suit his needs. What use are these cultists to him? Surely he must be aware of their main tenet, that the world has to end?"

"Oh, he'll sell them out, of course, and by the time they realise, it'll be too late. But how does Corypheus sell out the Seekers?"

"I don't know. I'm still not sure how it's possible for all the Seekers to be captured, or what's been done with them. Nothing is making sense."

"How would someone like you be resistant to red lyrium?" Varric asked.

The question gave her a moment of pause. "I honestly don't know. Our abilities grant us many gifts, but a resistance to red lyrium's corruption?" She could only shrug her shoulders as an answer.

"It would explain the lack of Seekers we've found in fights against Red Templars," Evelyn added.

Cassandra nodded. "And thus Seekers would be useless to Corypheus. He would have no leash to hold us."

From the courtyard, the walls of the castle towards over us. It simply didn't appear to be the sheer size it was from the outside. We searched the courtyard for further clues, but found nothing of value, though there were signs the cultists had been preparing for something, whether a siege or a battle, I wasn't sure, but there were supplies everywhere that suggested plans were afoot.

Climbing the stairs into the castle itself, we opened the doors, expecting to be greeted by an army of cultists, who must have surely known we were approaching but there was no sign of anyone. There were signs the place had been ransacked, which wasn't a surprise. Ahead on the wall was a painting, or perhaps it could be considered a mural, or even a fresco, of Andraste. Even I could recognise that, and upon entering the main hall, we were immediately attacked by cultists.

Blood soon ran again as I was fighting two at a time, killing one as I received a cut from the other, which simply pissed me off, hammering away at him until I put my sword through his throat. I felt the healing power of Evelyn as I focused on the next cultist, Blackwall getting to him first, so I charged at one of the arches, an arrow winging me, not drawing blood, as I slammed into his body with my shield, stamping on his face as he desperately tried to get up. I heard the snap of bone and cartilage, finishing him off quickly with a sword through the gut.

Cassandra performed a slight bow before Andraste before we moved on. "An example of the pious nature of Bann Loren. I have never visited here but his reputation is known across Ferelden and Orlais. I believe Divine Justinia knew of him personally. He was someone who always provided the Chantry."

"Any idea where he is?"

"If he's fled his own castle, he likely found safety in Denerim. The only reason King Aedan has not intervened would be the presence of the Seekers. Perhaps he believes we are here to solve the problem."

We searched and found more evidence of the cultists, orders sent to small bands who must have been operating around Ferelden and further afield. Approaching the throne, which took pride of place in the main hall, I had to admit the painting behind was rather striking. "It is an idealised version of Andraste, Inquisitor," Cassandra stated, "There are no recorded paintings of Andraste."

"If she looked like that, no wonder she managed to found an entire religion."

That made her laugh at least before we moved on. More steps awaited, taking them slow, ears straining to hear any sound of people approaching. Thankfully, this part of the castle seemed to be relatively deserted. I always found it strange that we could battle through a dungeon, then a courtyard, then a main hall, and I would have assumed all that noise would have carried.

Moving through another door, there was a staircase ahead, though that didn't grab any of our attention, as Cassandra rushed forward, sheathing her sword, taking her knee next to… well, to call him a man no longer wouldn't be far from the truth. Whatever had been done to him left him horrifically disfigured.

"Daniel? Daniel, can you hear me?"

He blinked, seeming to be coming out of some of daze, his eyes finally focusing on all of us before looking at Cassandra. "It is you. You're alive."

As I've mentioned before, Cassandra was not one to show emotion. But he was clearly a friend, watching her grab his hand tightly. "As are you. I'm so glad I found you." I glanced at Varric and the others. Varric shook his head. I returned a brief nod. We all knew what was going to happen.

"No, they… put a demon inside me. It's tearing me up."

Cassandra shook her head immediately. "No, you can't be possessed. That's impossible!"

"I'm not possessed. They fed me things. I can feel it growing."

"Can we do anything for him, Cassandra?"

She didn't reply for a moment, and I gave her time to bring all her emotions under control, because she knew the truth already. "I don't know. This thing inside him…"

"The Lord Seeker. You have to find him."

"Well, of course we'll find him. We need to…"

"He betrayed us, Cassandra."

With those words, I felt a chill run down my spine. We all remembered his words in Val Royeaux, but to turn his back on those he led. "How, Daniel?"

"He sent us here, one by one. 'An important mission,' he said. Lies. He was here with them all along. He's still working with them."

"So the man we met in Val Royeaux?" I asked.

"Was a demon, masquerading as him."

"How could that be?" Cassandra asked.

"The Lord Seeker allowed it. He let the demon take command, while he…"

"Came here," Cassandra whispered.

"Cassandra, I believe Daniel, but would the Lord Seeker really come here and sell out your entire order?"

"I intend to find out," she replied, her tone now dripping with venom. Then she looked at Daniel, and her eyes softened immediately. It was obvious she had liked the young man. He was clearly not long for the world, obviously in a lot of pain, but he covered her hand with his own.

Their eyes met and he nodded. "I should have listened, Cassandra. I'm sorry."

She shook her head again. "No, don't be sorry. It's not your fault." The dagger shone in the low light of the fire nearby. It was only in those final seconds that she showed her emotion. "Go to the Maker's side, Daniel. You will be welcome." And, with one swift movement, she ended the young man's pain. She took a moment to lie his body flat on the ground, position his hands on his chest, before she gently kissed his forehead. "You go to a better place."

The four of us stood back until she was ready, noticing the deep breaths she took, obviously drying her cheeks, before she stood up and turned to face us. "He was special?" Varric asked.

The smile was obviously one of fondness, of good memories shared. "He was my apprentice. I taught him everything I know. And I have never known a finer young man. I normally don't allow myself to get close to many, but there was something special about him. What helped was that we had the same belief, particularly before this Inquisition, in regards to the war that broke out. We believed the Seekers should have remained neutral, have only supported Justinia in her ideals of wanting peace and a new path forward. I know, at heart, he wanted to join me, but he also felt compelled to follow the Lord Seeker. Before this, he was a good man, one who would inspire those under him to follow his every command." She frowned. "We will find him, Inquisitor. And he will answer my questions."

"Do you wish justice now, or justice at Skyhold?"

"I will answer that in time, Inquisitor."

I nodded and we moved off, not missing the last lingering look she gave the body of her young apprentice before we walked up the stairs. Exiting out into perhaps the bailey of the castle, much of it was in ruins, particularly the towers that had definitely seen better days. And we ran into more cultists, and this is where Cassandra fought with a ferocity I'd never seen, a shout from her mouth of 'For Daniel!' before she killed her first opponent. None of the cultists stood a chance now. The killing, in her mind, was righteous.

Anyone who stood in our way died, following the path towards what could only be the end. We eventually came to a door, which must have led onto another courtyard. Cassandra and I shared one last look before she opened the door and strode through.

Lord Seeker Lucius had been waiting for us. As had the rest of his men, most of them dressed in the uniforms belonging to the Seekers of Truth. There were few of them left.

"Cassandra… with a man I can only assume is the new Inquisitor."

"And you're the scumbag who betrayed his own Order," I growled.

"I presume you know the Seekers of Truth were once the original Inquisition. Oh, yes. We fought to restore order in a time of madness long ago, as you do now. And we became proud. We sought to remake the world, to make it better. But what did we create? The Chantry. The Circles of Magi. A war that will see no end."

"So you help Corypheus?"

He smirked, the sort of smirk that he suggested I was a simpleton. "Corypheus is a monster with limited ambition."

"And your ambition is so much greater," Cassandra spat in disgust.

"We Seekers are abominations, Cassandra. We created a decaying world, and fought to preserve it even as it crumbled. We had to be stopped. You don't believe me? See for yourself." He called forward one of his underlings, who handed him a giant book. Lucius then offered it to her. "The secrets of our Order, passed to me after the former Lord Seeker was slain. The war with the mages had already begun, started thanks to your ally next to you, but it was still not too late for me to do the right thing."

I gestured around us. "And you think this is the right thing? You're off the fucking deep end."

"Lord Seeker, what you've done…"

He cut her off by simply stating, "I know." Cassandra seemed surprised at the admission of guilt before she'd even said anything. "What Corypheus did with the templars does not matter. I have seen the future. I have created a new Order to replace the old. The world will end so we can start anew. A pure beginning." He held out a hand. "Join us, Cassandra. It is the Maker's will."

"Cassandra, he's yours. We'll take care of the rest."

Cassandra didn't need a second invitation, unsheathing her sword and charged at the Lord Seeker. There were not many for us to deal with otherwise, though it's best not to be too overconfident, even when only battling a few enemies. Blackwall and I worked side by side, cutting and slashing, as Evelyn helped us out by flinging spells at the archers in the distance. It was barely enough for us to break a sweat, and over the sound of our fighting, we could hear the roar of Cassandra as she fought the Lord Seeker.

Once we had finished off our enemy, we turned to see Cassandra have the Lord Seeker on the back foot. Realising the courtyard was now empty of his allies, she focused on disarming rather than trying to kill him. Her months of fighting as part of the Inquisition had kept her skills sharp. His were obviously rusty, and when she finally took the sword from his hand, she followed it up by a punch in the face, a knee in the groin, and had the sword at his throat before he likely realised what happened.

"I would love nothing more than putting a sword through you right now, Lucius. But the Inquisition has been formed for a reason. To judge men like yourself."

Blackwall found some rope in a storeroom nearby, tying the hands of the former Lord Seeker behind him, and without another word, we marched him back through the castle, noticing Cassandra had collected the book he had shown her before they had fought. As we passed the body of Daniel, she grabbed Lucius, kicking out his legs so her fell to his knees, forcing his head down. "Look at him, Lucius!" she shouted, "Look at him! Look at what you've done to him! Look at what you've done to the Order! All that was good and noble has been destroyed."

Exiting the castle, we placed him on a horse of his own, Evelyn offering to go with me as usual. Thankfully she simply sat in front of me as we began our return journey to Skyhold. I simply watched Cassandra as she led the horse of Lucius. I'm sure part of her would have liked to have us just stop, lead him off into the forest, and just hack him into small parts. Part of me wouldn't have said no.

We camped that night just before the mountain road leading to Skyhold, not far from the shores of Lake Calenhad. We tied Lucius to a tree and left him there. No offer of food or drink. I was going to judge him the day after our arrival and simply be done with him. I spent a few hours keeping watch with Cassandra, though I kept an ear out for anyone or anything approaching as she read the book Lucius had offered. I didn't ask her any questions about what she was reading. She would reveal it all in time.

Arriving back in Skyhold around lunchtime the next day, Cassandra had Lucius head off. Before I disappeared, she stopped me, and to my surprise, gave me a warm embrace, thanking me for helping her. I told her it was fine, that it was the right thing to do but, more importantly, it had been important to her. She smiled, thanked me again, before taking the book and headed towards her own quarters to finish reading it.

Taking Evelyn by the hand, I led her into the hall and up towards where Leliana based herself during the day. She was a little surprised to see us both, but she gave it about five seconds though before smiling. "Did you make love while you were away?" she finally asked. I glanced at Evelyn, her face lighting up with a smile, but her cheeks also colouring a little bit. But the nod of the head was what I would call excitable. Leliana looked at me, and I definitely had a slight grin. "Uhtred, you're nearly double her age!"

"I know. I'm a very lucky man."

"I assume you're up here for a reason then."

I squeezed Evelyn's hands as I was very much behind the idea but I wanted her to verbalise what she wanted. "Leliana, would you be interested in the idea of… of me joining you and Uhtred?"

"I love the idea," Leliana replied softly, immediately stepping forward and hugging her, "I've been waiting some time for you to finally come and ask."

"Are you sure?"

Leliana leaned back, lifting her chin with a finger. "Evie, you are going to have the best night of your life with Uhtred and I. To be honest, it will be a real reminder of our time during the Blight. Uhtred and I enjoying the body of a younger woman."

"I've never been with a woman before."

"There's a first time for everything, Evie. When would you like to join us?"

"Tonight?" she replied hopefully.

Leliana looked at me. "Well, I think we should join the others for dinner then adjourn to the bedroom, Uhtred." I only grinned as Leliana looked back at Evelyn. Then she leaned forward and kissed her, definitely taking Evelyn by surprise. I released her hand as it took a couple of seconds for Evelyn to respond… then she did. I stepped back and watched. It wasn't erotic. Not at that moment.

It was… beautiful.

When they eventually parted, Leliana smiled, gently stroking Evelyn's cheek, who didn't know what to say or do. "Was that okay?" Leliana asked softly. Evelyn nodded. "Well, I'd better get back to work for now. I'll join you downstairs for dinner, then we can take it from there tonight."

"Okay," Evelyn said quietly.

"If you want to take her to our bedroom and have some fun beforehand, Uhtred, I wouldn't blame you. She's a good kisser."

I laughed as I took Evelyn by the hand and led her downstairs. She needed something to calm down, so we ended up going to the tavern for a drink, a few of our friends walking in, before we walked back to the hall for dinner once the sun started to disappear.

If anyone noticed Evelyn follow Leliana and I into our quarters, they didn't mention it. I asked Gawen to ensure we were not disturbed until the next morning. He figured out why immediately, told us to have fun, and made sure no-one would come near our door.

I let Leliana take charge of the situation as it wasn't about me, it wasn't even really about her. It was about Evelyn. We both adored her and wanted to make sure she had a great time with us. So we both undressed her, and I noticed her shake occasionally. "Nervous?" I asked quietly, hugging her from behind.

"A little. Not because I don't want to do it. I don't want to seem… silly."

Leliana kissed her softly on the lips. "Nothing you do will be silly, Evie. We're going to have a lot of fun tonight, but it will also be a time of love between us. And if you want, this won't be the only time. Uhtred obviously likes you immensely. And I think you're beautiful."

"Oh…"

Once we had Evelyn naked, Leliana and I undressed as well. Leliana took control, laying Evelyn down. I sat back as Leliana focused on Evelyn first. I'd seen her make love to a woman before, but there was something special about watching her with Evelyn. She would look at me every so often, but I made sure her focus was on Leliana.

Now it was erotic as Leliana showered her body with attention, Evelyn making plenty of positive noises, before she finally ended up between her legs. Evelyn was very excited, her first orgasm arriving rather quickly, enough that I joked Leliana was just showing off getting her to finish so quickly. "Maybe she would like to return the favour now?"

Evelyn nodded eagerly. "I've never done it before," she said quietly.

"Evie, we're having fun, and you will learn while doing it. So I'll lie back and you get into the position I am now. And I will help you along. But while you're doing that, Uhtred will be pleasing you at the same time."

"I will?"

"You should make love to her while she's pleasing me. That tight little body on her elbows and knees before you? I give you five minutes before you're fucking her senseless and my pussy is being ignored."

I couldn't help burst into laughter as I leaned over to kiss her before I sat behind Evie. I watched her please the body of Leliana first, my lover offering plenty of advice, but it was obvious Leliana was also very excited by everything. Once Evelyn had lowered herself down towards Leliana's sex, Leliana locked eyes with me. They were stunning as always. Her face lit up with a smile when it was obvious Evelyn started to use her tongue, watching her eyes then close.

I waited until Evelyn made her orgasm first. Leliana had no problem giving instruction, and when Evelyn did make her orgasm, she was ever so excited, giving Leliana a hug. It was so adorable, I almost didn't want to get involved.

"Change of plan, Uhtred. Make love to Evelyn first, then you'll need an obvious break, then make love to me. When you make love to me, I'll be on my knees and will pleasure Evelyn again."

"But he would have… you know, cum inside me."

"Evelyn, what do you think I do when I pleasure him with my mouth?" Evelyn gave it some thought, then her jaw dropped. "Not all the time, but the taste would linger in my mouth, yes?"

"I've… never done that before."

"Oh, well, that will need to be rectified. But not tonight. Tonight is all about you."

The next couple of hours were even better. Leliana happily lay to our side as I made love with Evelyn. Again, I ended up on my back… and Leliana ended up on my face. I could hear her speaking to Evelyn at the same time, and I think her words helped her to an even better high. I was far too excited so had to halt for a little while after finishing, then Leliana kept her promise, getting on her knees with Evelyn in front of her, before she turned back to me, grinned, and begged me to just fuck her.

Evelyn watched, a little stunned, as the Inquisitor absolutely pounded his spymaster. Leliana loved every second. We enjoyed the tender, gentle lovemaking, but just sometimes, we'd love it hard, fast, sweaty, passionate… Leliana could still focus on Evelyn at times, but she made plenty of noise to suggest I was doing the right thing too.

Relaxing a little later, Leliana in one arm, Evelyn in another, a hand of their stroking my chest, a kiss on each cheek, I felt like a god. "How do you feel?" Leliana asked Evelyn.

"Wonderful. Thank you, Leliana."

"Good. I think it's about time we did that. And, as I said, that's not going to be the only time. You are always welcome to join us except if Uhtred and I want some alone time."

"I won't intrude too often."

"And Uhtred, don't ignore Evelyn. You have me, and I know Bethany still desires you too. But Evelyn needs you for a number of reasons. I don't just mean like this, of course."

"Maybe you'd like some alone time with Evelyn too?" I asked.

"Would you like that, Evie? Maybe some time with me too?"

"I'd like that," Evelyn whispered, I think now a little overawed by it all. I didn't blame her being so young and she was still rather inexperienced.

"Slow steps, Evie. But if you enjoyed it…"

"Oh, I really did!"

Leliana giggled, snuggling into me, reaching across with her hand to stroke Evelyn. "Good. That's make me happy to hear. So we can have a little fun too, particularly if Uhtred is otherwise occupied."

"And who will occupy me otherwise?"

"Bethany, Uhtred. That woman needs you to fuck her." I chuckled at the blunt retort. "I'm not lying, Uhtred. I'm not sure what your sex life was like, it's not really any of my business, but she needs to be fucked. Quite a bit, to be honest. I think there's been a little repression due to being a Warden."

"Another partner for us?" I wondered, giving her a glance.

"Absolutely," Leliana replied with enthusiasm.

I felt Evelyn shuffled, glancing to see her eyes were closed. Kissing her forehead, it was soon obvious she was asleep. Leliana kissed my cheek again. "She loves you," she whispered.

"I know."

"You've done so much for her through all of this."

"She's worth all the effort."

"When we wake up in the morning, I'll leave you two to make love again. I'll see you at breakfast."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

"I don't understand, even now…"

"So don't. Just accept it, Uhtred. This is your life now. You have me, no matter what. Evelyn won't go anywhere. Nor will Bethany. I guess our retirement plans might change a little bit."

"You reckon?"

"I don't want to see her go. And I can certainly accept Bethany into our lives. I want to enjoy life after this, Uhtred. And if we have friends and even lovers with us, then that will be our life." I felt her shuffle to get comfortable, wrapping my arm tighter around her. "Oh, just so you know, I love you too," she whispered.

"I know that too."

I heard her breathing eventually change, laying back feeling rather awake, as the two of the most important women in my life slept. I was honest with her. I still didn't understand her tolerance, but considering she was just as enthusiastic about it, I guess I just had to get my head around it. Leliana always had lots of love to give, and I guess she was having just as much fun as myself. And considering the threats that still existed, I guess we couldn't be blamed for trying to find a little enjoyment in our lives.

A last kiss on the forehead of both, before I let my body settle and eventually drifted off to sleep.